Breast Reduction

Probably the most satisfied patients in plastic surgery are thes one who had a successful breast reduction though people who don't have large breasts may not understand the tremendous inconvenience and pain associated with them. The average person usually thinks that large breasts is a blessing; or something that most women want. Little did they know that large breasts can actually be a significant handicap. Often, they prevent women from wearing normal clothing, cause back and neck pain, make it difficult or impossible to exercise, and a whole host of other problems.

After a breast reduction in Thailand, patients will feel as if the weight of the world has literally been lifted off their shoulders as the burden of carrying around all that extra weight will be gone.

Not uncommonly, the patient with large breasts can also be overweight. It is best for these patients to try to lose as much weight as possible for several reasons. Not only because losing weight is healthy but because it makes the operation technically easier. Another reason is that an insurance company may not pay for a breast reduction in a patient who is significantly overweight. Often, an insurance company will refuse to pay anyway and the patient is forced to pay for it herself. The only way to find out is to have the procedure pre approved prior to the operation. It is safe to say, though, that if the procedure is mostly cosmetic, insurance will not pay for it.

There are several ways to perform a breast reduction. Most experienced plastic surgeons advocate the short scar breast reduction. This type of breast reduction is somewhat more technically difficult but has the huge advantage of leaving a shorter scar and it also creates more breast projection and cleavage. It is important to point out that this procedure is not just a reduction procedure but it is a cosmetic procedure as well, or at least it should be. Breasts are very important to most women and it is important to add an artistic quality to the reduction so that a sexy, feminine result is obtained.

Despite the fact that many doctors have the ability to perform breast reduction with a shorter than normal scar, a scar is inevitable. The scar goes completely around the areola and then travels down the breast to the level of the foldunderneath the breast. If your breasts are exceptionally large a short scar within the fold may be necessary. This is very unusual. The scar usually becomes quite red the first 2 months after the operation but fades within 1 year. The patient considering breast reduction must be prepared to accept the scar as a trade off for lighter, perkier, more attractive breasts. The reality is, these scars are not noticeable even when wearing highly revealing clothes.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BREAST REDUCTION?

The benefits of breast reduction are physical, mental, and cosmetic in nature. If done properly, breast reduction can simultaneously remove excess breast tissue and provide you with breasts that you can have a pride in instead of a burden. There are many reasons for breast reduction with some listed below:

Reliefs back and neck pain.

Reliefs rashes underneath the breast.

Reduces weight so that exercise and other activities are easier.

Improves breathing and bad posture.

Removes shoulder grooving from bra straps.

Makes clothes fit better.

Repositions nipple into a more youthful location.

Provides a breast lift as well as breast reduction.

WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES FOR BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE?

In general, patients that are good candidates for breast reduction know it before even reading this web site. They are plagued with the problems outlined above. Quite often the biggest question is whether a breast reduction or a breast lift is needed. Both procedures involve lifting and shaping the breast. The reduction also involves removal of a significant amount of tissue as well. This will be evaluated during your consultation. Usually, however, the patient knows whether or not the procedure is a cosmetic one. In order to qualify as a breast reduction, the insurance company usually requires a certain amount of breast tissue be removed.

Here is a summary of problems plagued by patients who need a breast reduction.

Do you have back or neck pain caused by large breasts?

Do you have persistent rashes below the breasts?

Are you unable to exercise because of your large breasts?

Do you have grooves in your shoulders from bra straps?

Are your breasts way out of proportion to the rest of your body?

Are your breasts large and droopy?

Are you self-conscious and/or unhappy about your large breasts?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions a breast reduction is probably worth while.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROCEDURE?

The most common complication after breast reduction is asymmetry. It must be pointed out, however, that all breasts have some asymmetry. A breast reduction, in fact, can do a lot to correct asymmetry but it is unreasonable to expect both breasts to be exactly identical.

Another potential complication is inadequate reduction or over reduction. Your doctor should spend a great deal of time before the operation finding out exactly what size you would like to be to avoid this. Some women would like to be as small as possible. There is a limit to how small they can be made without compromising blood supply and safety.

A complication that has already been discussed but must be emphasized is really not a complication. It is the fact that a scar is a requirement in order to achieve breast reduction. Over time the scar will fade but will never go away completely.

After breast reduction, there is a significant likelihood that breast-feeding will not be possible. Also possible is the loss or a decrease in sensation to the nipple. Usually sensation does return but this cannot be guaranteed. Other complications that must be considered, but are possible with any operation, are the risks of infection, wound healing problems, fluid or blood collection, and contour irregularities.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SURGERY?

The anesthesiologist will discuss with you what type of anesthesia is best for you prior to the procedure. He/she will take into consideration your medical history, the procedure, and your personal wishes. Normally, general anesthesia is required when performing breast reductions to make sure the patient is completely comfortable throughout the procedure.

The procedure itself will take about 3 hours with your surgeon, Prof. Somyos Kunachak, removing some excess skin, fat, and breast tissue on your breast. Again, the incision will depend upon what you've discussed with our surgeon during the consultation. Depending on the agreed incision, your surgeon will perform the appropriate technique to achive the result that you want.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SURGERY?

Immediately. You will immediately notice a big difference in breast shape and size. Right after the operation you will be watched for 1 or 2 hours and encouraged to walk around. You will be given as much pain medication as necessary both immediately after the operation and for the entire post operative period. You may have tape around your breasts as well as a surgical bra on. Most likely you will have drains to prevent fluid from collecting under the skin. They will be removed at your first post operative visit. You may wash the surgical bra as necessary.

It is recommended that you take it easy. You can walk around, eat, but not too much more. It is very important not to move your arms too much so that bleeding is not started. Aggressive arm movements should not be done within the first 4 weeks after the procedure. You should take as much pain medication as necessary and try to go to sleep early. It is best if you sleep with your head and chest slightly elevated to promote proper lymphatic drainage

At about day 3 you can move around normally. Just continue limiting movements of your arms. The bruising and swelling will go away in about 2 to 3 weeks. Your first postoperative visit will be 1 week after the procedure. Your drains will be removed at this time.

Swelling will not completely resolve for about 6 months but the majority of it will be gone by 3 weeks. You can start moving your arms aggressively at 6 weeks at which time you can start working out with your arms. The scar will look the worst at 6 to 8 weeks but it will fade over time.